Nine young cadets were taken to hospital after a suspected drug taking incident at Altcar training camp in Hightown.

A group of young trainees became unwell on Saturday night at Altcar Training Camp on Grange Road.

They are thought to have taken drugs, and were treated at two local hospitals after police were called to the camp.

The cadets have now been released from hospital. Police believe no other cadets were affected, but officers have advised any concerned parents to seek medical advice.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said to Visiter.co.uk: “Merseyside Police can confirm that they have commenced an investigation at Altcar Training Camp after a number of young cadets became unwell overnight (Saturday 6 February), following a suspected drug taking incident. The investigation will aim to establish whether drugs have been taken and to identify the source.

“The exact circumstances cannot be confirmed at this time, however nine young people have been examined at two local hospitals and since released.

“At this time, it is believed that no other cadets have been affected. Parents of other children who attended the camp this weekend, and who have any concerns about the health of their children, should seek appropriate medical advice.”

Opened in 1860,in response to the threat of invasion by the French, Altcar Training Camp and Rifle Range occupies a remote and wild stretch of the Sefton coast and Major Green believes the site still has many more secrets to reveal.